The 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo Is a Massive Seven-Seat Beast

      Nissan

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      The 2026 Nissan Armada Nismo (stylized as “NISMO” for Nissan Motorsports) enhances the brand's 6,100-pound three-row SUV with increased power, improved suspension tuning, and a sporty aerodynamic design. Vehicles like this can be divisive, and I understand why; it seems somewhat unusual to seek on-road performance from a ladder-frame truck. However, they can also be surprisingly enjoyable to drive. In reality, having more power is often more practical than off-road capability.

      This model doesn't stray far from the original vehicle, but the unique Nismo features on this Armada are intriguing enough to warrant their inclusion. The VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6 engine is boosted from 425 to 460 horsepower, which is significant even for a vehicle of this weight, and the revised exhaust should enhance the driving experience. It also includes an Active Sound Enhancement system that produces synthetic exhaust sounds, which has its pros and cons.

      The Armada retains its standard torque ratings (516 lb-ft), transmission (nine-speed automatic), and towing capacity (8,500 pounds) in this version. It remains quite high, with a ground clearance of 10.9 inches, exceeding that of a base Jeep Wrangler. The difference in clearance from the off-road-focused Armada Pro-4X, which boasts 11.6 inches, is minimal.

      Nissan

      In addition to the ECU tuning for the extra horsepower, the Armada Nismo features distinctive steering and suspension adjustments. In theory, this should enhance its responsiveness to driver input. The most noticeable improvements in handling are likely due to the high-performance all-season tires fitted to 22-inch wheels.

      As evident in the images, Nissan has borrowed design elements from the GT-R and Z Nismo models for the front and rear splitters, giving this seven-seater a more sporty appearance. The fender vents and the rear spoiler that extends the roofline contribute significantly to its fast look. Additionally, it is offered in Stealth Gray, which pairs well with red accents.

      The interior also features Nismo-specific touches—while there aren't racing buckets, the bold red trim on the seats certainly stands out. You can view various angles of the interior here:

      The Armada Nismo is set to arrive at dealerships in the fall, although pricing is yet to be announced. For reference, the current top-tier four-wheel-drive Platinum Reserve Armada is priced around $82,000 before options and fees. I would anticipate that the Nismo will start around $92,000, although it will likely remain just under the six-figure mark.

      High-performance SUVs have been a staple for years, but sporty seven-seaters and body-on-frame models are a unique category. The Armada Nismo may not handle aggressive corners as well as a similarly sized unibody vehicle, like the Audi SQ8, but it will probably excel in towing capacity and cargo space.

      From a daily driving standpoint, vehicles like this can be strangely enjoyable. It may sound odd, but there's something thrilling about accelerating out of turns with the power of a large vehicle that I find enjoyable every time I drive one. I distinctly remember my excitement when the Mercedes-AMG GLS63 was released, and a performance-tuned Chevy Suburban I drove long ago. These vehicles come with inherent compromises, but the combination of significant power and heavy weight gives them a unique appeal that I appreciate. And with this model in a grey shade that Nissan favors, you can easily feel like you’re commanding a stampeding elephant.

      Here are some additional glamour shots to browse if you're interested in continuing to explore the vehicle:

      If you’d like to discuss sporty SUVs, feel free to contact the author at [email protected].